A bill that would require executive branch agencies to purchase at least 15 percent of their advertisements from in-state news publishers advanced through the Appropriations Committee on May 12. However, the bill is unlikely to be enacted due to budget constraints.
SB 1230 requires most executive branch agencies, with the exception of individual public colleges and universities, to spend at least 15 percent of their annual advertising contracts on print or digital advertising purchased from in-state publishers.
The bill defines in-state news publishers as either commercial or nonprofit entities that “disseminates original news content to the public” in a variety of formats, including print, broadcast, and electronic. Eligible news publishers must also have been producing “original news content” for at least 12 months and have a primary place of business in the state.
News organizations that have parent companies located outside the state would not be considered in-state news publishers, as the bill deems the parent company’s location to be their primary place of business.
Advertising for the state’s tourism campaigns would be exempted from the requirements because it is directed at a primarily out-of-state audience. If agencies determine that placing an advertisement with an in-state publisher interferes with the ad’s purpose, they could request a waiver from the Department of Administrative Services (DAS).
DAS is also required to establish guidelines for contracts entered into as a result of the bill by June 1, 2026. The purchasing requirement for advertisements would go into effect on July 1, 2026.
Starting December 1, 2026, agencies subject to the requirement would also be required to submit an annual report to DAS detailing all print or digital ads it has purchased. DAS would be required to submit an annual report to the legislature’s Government Administration and Elections Committee (GAE).
The bill was previously reported favorably out of the GAE committee and placed on the Senate calendar before being referred to the Appropriations Committee.
It drew mixed reactions from media in the state, with some publishers saying the revenue it would bring them would help support local and hyperlocal news organizations, and others worrying it could impact press freedom.
However, the bill has an approximately $298,000 price tag for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and is unlikely to be passed due to the state’s budget constraints.
DAS’ role in establishing contracting requirements is anticipated to cost the department roughly $149,000 annually, as the agency will have to hire an additional employee to handle the responsibility.
There may be additional costs to state agencies depending on to what extent they conform to the advertising requirements laid out in the bill.
While members of the Appropriations Committee voted to return the bill to the Senate for further action, Rep. Tammy Nuccio, R-Ashford, noted that there are no funds in the budget for the bill.
Legislation from previous years has also attempted to change legal requirements for posting public notices. Currently, municipalities are required to publish legal notices in local newspapers. A bill introduced in 2024 sought to allow municipalities to publish those notices on their websites. It was generally supported by representatives of municipalities from across the state and opposed by representatives of the media.
The bill’s fiscal note anticipated it would result in savings for municipalities. The bill died on the House of Representatives’ calendar when the legislature adjourned sine die.
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